Converted schoolhouse destroyed near Gordonville

A small home near Gordonville was completely destroyed by fire Monday morning.

"We were paged at 10:28 a.m. for a structure fire on 156 Jade Lane," said Mark Koerber, Gordonville Fire Protection District's fire chief.

The call came from owner Boyd Slemmer, Koerber said.

"He was not at home at the time. The fire started while he was out doing errands. He drove up and seen smoke," Koerber said.

The house was fully involved when firefighters arrived from Gordonville, Jackson and Millersville.

"There was really nothing we could do for him as far as saving it," Koerber said. "We protected his propane tank and several outbuildings. It was just a home and some storage buildings, your typical rural home. The home was built in 1898."

Koerber said he learned from Slemmer the house is the former Sandy Ridge School.

"Age brings hazards along with it. It's a shame I couldn't have helped him more," Koerber said. "He was upset. The main thing is, and I told him this, the main this is, he wasn't inside when it happened."

Firefighters remained on the scene until 12:34 p.m.

The cause of the fire is undetermined, but Koerber said it was in no way related to the recent flooding. Slemmer is staying at an Illinois home, he said.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, ext. 127